Messi, now boasting eight Ballons d’Or and an unparalleled collection of top honors, was on the cusp of his 23rd birthday when entrusted with the captaincy for Argentina. Diego Maradona, an iconic figure in his homeland, bestowed this honor upon him during the 2010 World Cup.
Stepping into the captain’s role just two days shy of his 23rd birthday, Messi led Argentina in a group stage match against Greece, as seasoned players like Javier Mascherano and Gabriel Heinze were rested. His task: delivering an inspiring pre-match speech. Despite his current familiarity with such responsibilities, Messi grappled with nerves on that occasion some 14 years ago.
Veron recounted witnessing Messi’s debut words as captain, noting, “He got stuck at some point. It’s normal. It’s not easy to speak in front of a group, especially in that situation. We didn’t help him. It turned out well.”
Reflecting on his evolution as a leader on the pitch, Messi admitted, “The first time I was captain it was difficult for me to speak in the locker room. I’m not one to talk much, I think that everyone knows what to do on the field and the importance of the game ahead. I’m a captain in my own way. I had to grow up somewhere. [Carles] Puyol wasn’t one to give talks or harangues either.”
At 36 years old, Messi currently captains MLS side Inter Miami and leads Argentina to triumph in Copa America and World Cup tournaments. With no indication of retirement in sight, he continues his pursuit of major trophies with both club and country in 2024.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini
ArgentinaThis season he played in total 6 times for 494 minutes for Major League Soccer.
Lionel Messi scored 7 goals for Inter Miami. He procured 3 assists. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 1st in Major League Soccer. In the last match Inter Miami won 3-1 against Nashville SC.
Inter Miami performance and stats
Inter Miami
Inter Miami is currently 1st in the Major League Soccer with 18 points.
In the last 10 games, it has won 5 times, drawn 3 times, and lost twice. In its last match, Inter Miami won 3-1 against Nashville SC.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 22 goals and conceding 15.
Inter Miami will play the next match in Major League Soccer against New England on Saturday 27th of April in Foxborough. The prediction is Inter Miami winning the match.
